Social Security: Americans Agree VIDEO

Social Security: Just the Facts Video

COVERED: a week-by-week look at the political and legislative developments that led to the creation of Medicare and Medicaid 50 years ago. Bob Rosenblatt, Academy senior fellow and former Los Angeles Times Washington correspondent will report on the people and the maneuvers that led to this major expansion of social insurance.

9:45am SESSION I - Social Security: How Does it Work?
Social Security is a multifaceted program with a variety of benefits. Who pays for Social Security and who receives benefits? How important are Social Security benefits for people with disabilities? What are the implications, if any, of Social Security on the budget?

11:15am SESSION II - Social Security: How Big is the Financing Problem, and How Can We Pay for What We Want?
The Social Security program is running surpluses in the near term, but deficits in the long term. Why is the program out of balance and how big is the shortfall? What are some solutions for closing the long-term funding gap and, if we choose, paying for improved benefits?

12:15pm INTERACTIVE ACTIVITY (PART A) - The Intern Solution for Social Security
Experts have debated solutions to Social Security’s financing for years. What solutions would you choose to solve the issues of solvency and adequacy of Social Security?

1:15pm INTERACTIVE ACTIVITY (PART B) - What are Your Solutions for Social Security?
Hold your own policy briefing. Discuss your solutions for solving the long-term issues of Social Security financing.

1:40pm BREAK/NETWORKING

2:00pm SESSION III - Unfiltered: Straight Talk on Social Security
The Social Security program has been debated almost since its inception. This session will explore two different perspectives on the current state of the Social Security program and its future.

3:00pm CLOSING SESSION - Now What? How Can I Use This Information and Experience?
Now that you have learned the ins and outs of the Social Security program, what can young people do now to get involved in the policy process?